Don Smolenski: Eagles appreciate efforts of Lehigh University, Bethlehem and support of fans

By now many of you have heard that we have made the decision to hold Eagles training camp at our facilities in Philadelphia this summer. This was a difficult decision and one that we spent a great deal of time discussing as an organization. Over the years, we have continually ramped up the way we use cutting-edge technology and training equipment to make sure our players are in peak physical and mental condition. Today, the demands of practice and technology have reached a point where we can no longer replicate off-site what we have at the NovaCare Complex for our athletes.

Thank you to Lehigh University for going above and beyond to accommodate our players, coaches and staff. Year in and year out, you have been incredible partners, and your efforts behind the scenes allowed our operation to run as smoothly as possible. From the cafeteria staff to the administration to the security guards and the grounds crew, we appreciate all of your hard work and we have enjoyed working with each and every one of you.

Thank you to the city of Bethlehem and all of the businesses and residents who welcomed us each year with open arms. You truly were gracious hosts. Thousands of people flocked to training camp every summer and there is no doubt that a major reason for that was your hospitality. Without fail, every rookie or free agent who came to the Eagles would make a comment after his first practice about the overwhelming energy the people of Lehigh brought to the day.

Our relationship with this community is not ending; it's changing. We will always have a special place in our hearts for Lehigh University, for the city of Bethlehem, and for all the fans, workers and businesses that made Eagles training camp a special place.